Let me re-address the issue of gastric by-pass surgery. After talking with one of my mentors at school, who has had a successful journey with gastric by-pass, and after talking with the daughter of the woman whom I am concerned about, I want to amend some of my comments.

In general, I think that some people look to surgery as an easier option. While this does not apply to everyone, and while many people do the surgery out of necessity, I am frustrated with the amount of people who assume that getting the surgery will solve all of their problems.

When it comes to surgery, I personally did look into having it at one point. I did not seriously consider it, and when my mom and I went to a seminar to learn more, I was relieved that, due to time constraints and being away at college, it would be nearly impossible for me to do.

That said, at that time I looked into it upon the recommendation of my family. Being that I respect their opinions very much, I did not want to leave any options out. Being overweight is frustrating, and seeing a light by something as "simple" (or so I thought at the time) as surgery makes everything look different.

Also, I looked into it because I wasn't very confident in my ability to lose the weight without some drastic change. At the same time, I was an adult when I looked into it, so Courtney has a point - no one forced me to do anything.

Now, I've done the research. On one side - I see gastric by-pass as a risky, and avoidable procedure. On the other, when it comes to your health - gastric by-pass can be, literally, a lifesaver.

In the general picture, I will always worry when people pursue this as an option. I think weight loss can be done through diet & exercise. BUT, for someone who is older, has more medical problems, and possibly needs the surgery as a kick-start to a healthy lifestyle, it may be an option. Ultimately, I would rather see someone live a long and healthy life after gastric by-pass than struggle and deal with long-term medical issues.

As my mentor pointed out, gastric by-pass could have prolonged people's lives, had the medical advancements been around in the past. I just hope that anyone considering it has tried to lose weight on their own, and is fully aware of all the precautions, risks, and work that comes with it.

Thanks to both Courtney and Diane for making me look deeper into this issue and see both sides of the argument. And thanks for reading!